KABUL: The Taliban have publicly flogged 19 people, including two women, in eastern and northern Afghanistan, according to a report by ‘Kabul Now’ quoting statements issued by the group’s Supreme Court.
In a statement released on Monday, the court said 14 men and two women were punished in Nangarhar province on charges including what it described as “illicit relationships,” “running away from home,” and the use, purchase and sale of narcotics and alcoholic drinks.
Those punished received between 10 and 39 lashes each, administered in public after approval by the Taliban’s chief justice. In a separate statement, the Supreme Court said three people were publicly flogged in recent days in Balkh province on charges of “alcohol smuggling.” Each received 39 lashes.
The Taliban said the punishments were carried out following judicial approval and in line with their interpretation of Islamic law.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have repeatedly enforced public corporal punishment, including floggings, and have publicly executed at least 12 people before large crowds. These actions have drawn strong criticism from the international community.
Human rights organizations have condemned public executions and corporal punishment as violations of international law and human dignity, urging the Taliban to halt practices they describe as cruel, inhuman and degrading.
